US$3.5 million Skycar goes on sale

October 3, 2005 Neiman Marcus, the specialty retailer renowned for its unique luxurious offerings,
never fails to make available some delectable big toys for big boys and girls when it unveils its annual Christmas Catalogue. In recent years we’ve seen the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book offer a Custom Designed Mermaid Suit, a Dodge 500hp Tomahawk motorcycle and even the first commercially-available Deep Flight Aviator, but the 79th Annual Christmas catalogue has exceeded all previous efforts by putting the M400 Moller Skycar Prototype on sale – it’ll set you back just US$3.5 million but what the heck! Other fantasy gifts for the person who dares to dream big included in the 2005 book include a His & Hers Photo Booth, an NM Edition Lexus GS 450h (in 2003, the limited edition BMW 645Ci sold out in seven minutes), a Dreamboat levitating sculpture with "no visible means of support," a Grand Empire Railroad, and a replica of the 2005 Indianapolis 500 Mile Race winning car with flat-screen monitor, IndyCar Series 2005 video game and all related electronics.

First published in 1926 as a 16-page catalogue, the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book was initially intended as a Christmas card to the store's best customers. Building on tradition through the years, the book has maintained its personal touch while evolving into a legendary source for alluring and mystical gifts that mark the start of the holiday season.

Included among the assortment of gifts in this year's Christmas Book are some remarkable items. They are:

HIS & HERS PHOTO-ME CLASSIC BOOTH

The 2005 His & Hers gift celebrates a sentimental experience enjoyed by people for more than half a century. From the original black-and-white to color, from film to digital, photobooths have continued to entice couples, friends, and families. The Photo-Me Classic Photobooth features a customized Neiman Marcus exterior and technology proven to ensure ID-quality color photographs. The classic strip of four photos is delivered in 4-5 minutes, with just 30 seconds or less before it's ready for the next set. And while the results are suitable for official documents, they are also irresistible as party favors and reminders of special occasions. ($20,000.00)

Your very own piece of transportation history: the M400 Skycar prototype. This prototype for a groundbreaking mode of transportation that may ultimately combine sci-fi and state of the art technology in the world's first personal vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft. Developed by Moller International this prototype of the flagship M400 Skycar, a three-wheeled, folding-wing craft designed to be as safe, affordable, and easy to use as an automobile. The M400 Skycar will travel 350+ miles per hour and boasts an environmentally friendly 21 miles per gallon on alcohol. Get this one of a kind functional prototype and imagine what it will be like to elevate yourself above the frustration of commuting to the Highway in the Sky! Prototype M400 Skycar: (US$3,500,000)

GRAND EMPIRE RAILROAD

A riding-scale system in your own yard, complete with locomotive, cars, caboose, station, and 1,000 feet of track - the ultimate dream for the railroad enthusiast. RMI Railworks has installed its precision replicas at homes from Nebraska to Texas, California to North Carolina. The Grand Empire Package includes a steam-style 2-6-2 locomotive with internal combustion engine that runs on odor-free propane, two high-side riding gondolas with three cushioned seats, a banquet car with oak decking, and a riveted steelwork caboose with interchangeable seat and work crane, a passenger station, switches, and eight signs, including two crossing signs with flashing lights. (Beginning at US$200,000)

INDYCAR SERIES SIMULATOR

Experience the thrill of The Greatest Spectacle in Racing. This life-size, custom-painted IndyCar Series Car is a replica of the 2005 Indianapolis 500 Mile Race winner driven by Dan Wheldon and features a high-tech flat-screen monitor with stand, IndyCar Series 2005 video game and all related electronics. The racing action is amazingly realistic and authentic, right down to the TV-style presentation with race introductions by ABC Sports broadcasters. For the avid race fan, add the ultimate 2006 Indianapolis 500 Mile Race hospitality package for two. This package includes a ride in the IndyCar Series two-seater with the white-knuckle speed and 3+ G-force that only professional drivers have experienced. (US$65,000 and US$75,000)

PRIVATE CONCERT BY SIR ELTON JOHN

This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity allows the purchaser and up to 500 guests to experience an intimate, hour-and-a-half performance by Sir Elton John. The price of $1.5 million is a donation to the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF), which was established in 1992 and is one of the world's leading nonprofit organizations supporting innovative HIV/AIDS prevention education programs and direct care services to people living with HIV/AIDS. An Elton John Signature Series Red Piano, designed exclusively by Yamaha, and with a live performance by Elton John built into it, is included in the private concert package. Only one private concert will be sold. (US$1,500,000)

"DREAMBOAT" LIMITED-EDITION LEVITATING SCULPTURE

The concept of "no visible means of support" has never been so artfully rendered. This mixed-media work of aluminum, magnets, and mahogany floats on the crest of an invisible magnetic wave, moving slightly with ambient air currents but never losing altitude - even when a hand is passed beneath it. The magnetic levitation system, invented by sculptor and installation artist Tom Shannon, utilizes safe, permanent magnets that never lose their strength, so the piece hovers indefinitely until it is physically moved. The sculpture is available in a 16-inch limited edition of 100 or a 6-foot limited edition of eight, each signed and numbered by Shannon. (US$18,000 and US$90,000)

Neiman Marcus' long-standing commitment and dedication to philanthropy continues this season with its support of The Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF). Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed non-skin cancer in the United States. One in six men will develop prostate cancer in the course of his lifetime. The PCF's mission is to support research for better treatments and to find a cure for recurrent prostate cancer. The PCF has funded over 1,200 research projects. A portion from the proceeds from the sale of the Cover Art-inspired items and all of the gifts displayed on pages 62-65 will be donated to The Prostate Cancer Foundation.

The Neiman Marcus Christmas Book will be distributed to two million homes throughout the United States and worldwide. Subscriptions to the 2005 Christmas Book may be ordered for US$15 by calling 1-800-NEIMANS. All of the spectacular selections in this year's edition are showcased online on the Neiman Marcus website.